Learn the best strategies to defeat Grodus and Bowser in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Master Grodus's defense mechanics and Bowser's attacks to save Princess Peach!
Alright, let's talk about the big showdown with Grodus and then Bowser! This part can be a little tricky, but once you know the mechanics, it's totally manageable. We'll get you through it!
- 1Grodus Fight - Phase 1: Dealing with the Grodus X's
When you first face Grodus, he'll have four Grodus X's with him. These guys make him invincible, so you can't hurt him directly. Your first move is crucial here. Make sure Vivian is your partner and use her Fiery Jinx ability right away. This will take out all four Grodus X's.
After that, have Mario use Power Lift to boost his attack power. Grodus's Defense is usually 1 plus the number of Grodus X's on the field. So, with zero Grodus X's, his Defense is just 1, making him vulnerable.
- 2Grodus Fight - Phase 2: Taking Down Grodus
On the next turn, Grodus will summon two more Grodus X's. Use Vivian's Fiery Jinx again to defeat them. Once they're gone, it's time to hit Grodus hard! Use Mario's Power Bounce if you can, or Power Smash if that's not an option. The goal is to deal as much damage as possible while Grodus's defense is low.
Grodus will keep summoning two Grodus X's each turn, so you'll need to keep clearing them out with Fiery Jinx before you can damage him. Try to conserve your items as much as possible. Use Sweet Feast for healing instead of items if you can – we'll get to why that's important later!
- 3The Interruption: Peach and Bowser's Arrival
After you defeat Grodus, he'll summon a bubble containing Princess Peach. Don't try to attack Grodus while he's doing this, or he'll attack Peach! He'll then torment Mario with lightning. Just hang in there!
Suddenly, the roof will cave in, and Bowser will fall on top of Grodus! Kammy Koopa will float down shortly after. Bowser, now freed from the rubble, will attack you!
- 4Boss Fight: Bowser and Kammy Koopa
Now you're up against Bowser and Kammy Koopa. Here are their stats:
- Bowser: Max HP: 70, Attack: 7
- 5Kammy Koopa: Max HP: 50, Attack: 5
- Conserving items during the Grodus fight is key. If you saved some Star Points as suggested earlier, you'll have an advantage now.
- Remember Grodus's defense changes based on the Grodus X's present. Always clear them first!
- Vivian's Fiery Jinx is your best friend against the Grodus X's.
- Don't attack Grodus when he's holding Peach in the bubble.
- Focus Kammy Koopa first in the Bowser fight, then Bowser.
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